Abstract: An aerospike engine configured to be connected to a liquid methane tank, and to a liquid oxygen tank is provided. The aerospike engine comprises a centerbody including an aerospike nozzle, an external skirt, and a combustion chamber being defined between the external skirt and the centerbody. The centerbody is additively manufactured from one or more copper alloys and has a plurality of centerbody internal cooling channels. The external skirt is additively manufactured from one or more copper alloys and has a plurality of skirt internal cooling channels. The aerospike engine is configured to supply liquid methane and liquid oxygen through the internal cooling channels to the combustion chamber. Also disclosed are stages of a launch vehicle and a launch vehicle comprising such an aerospike engine, as well as methods for re-entry for a re-usable stage of a launch vehicle comprising an aerospike engine.

Abstract: A stage for a space launch vehicle is provided. The space launch vehicle has a main body including a first end and a second end, and defines a central longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The stage comprises a stage rocket engine arranged at or near the first end of the stage to propel the launch vehicle vertically upwards at take-off. The stage furthermore comprises a plurality of fans for providing lift during a landing procedure of the stage, wherein the fans have a rotational axis arranged substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. Also provided are space launch vehicles and methods for transporting a payload into space.

Abstract: A stage for a space launch vehicle is provided. The space launch vehicle has a main body including a first end and a second end, and defines a central longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The stage comprises a stage rocket engine arranged at or near the first end of the stage to propel the launch vehicle vertically upwards at take-off. The stage furthermore comprises a plurality of fans for providing lift during a landing procedure of the stage, wherein the fans have a rotational axis arranged substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. Also provided are space launch vehicles and methods for transporting a payload into space.

Abstract: A receiver of block coded speech signals receives signals transmitted by means of discontinuous transmission and estimates the acceptable or unacceptable nature of the blocks received. A volume control device commands reduction of the volume in the case of reception of unacceptable blocks. A detector, on the basis of the results of the estimate, determines if the signals received are signals transmitted using discontinuous transmission. The volume is restored in the case of such detection.

Abstract: A framework block or brick consisting of modular elements of formed sheet steel or aluminum and having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped comprising: two identical, pyramid-shaped elements symmetrically disposed and composed each of a rectangular base frame defining the facing surface of the walls and corner elements or ribs forming the four opposite semidiagonals of the brick which are connected to the corners of the base frame, and four angle bars having substantially a C-section and connected to the corners of the respective base frame and provided with holes for the connection of the blocks to one another by fastening means. The elements or ribs intersect in a flattened central portion provided with holes for the connection of said ribs and the elements to one another by fastening means.